Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels

Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)

Created:
Movement:
1473
Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance Devotional Altarpiece Vibrant Religious Iconography
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Dimensions:
Overall, with engaged frame: 29 1/8 × 20 3/8 in. (74 × 51.8 cm) painted surface: 24 3/8 × 15 5/8 in. (61.9 × 39.7 cm)
medium:
Tempera on wood, gold ground
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels" is a painting by Sano di Pietro, an Italian painter active during the Renaissance. The work was created circa 1465–70 and reflects the artist's characteristic style, which combines elements of Gothic and early Renaissance art. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by prominent saints, each identified by their attributes. Saint Jerome is often depicted with a lion, Saint Bernardino with a monogram of Christ, Saint John the Baptist with a lamb, and Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child Jesus. The inclusion of angels adds a celestial dimension to the scene. Sano di Pietro was known for his devotional works, and this painting exemplifies his focus on religious themes and figures. The exact provenance of the painting is unknown, as is its original commission. The work is currently housed in a museum collection, though specific details about its location may vary.

Description of the work:

"Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels" by Sano di Pietro is a tempera on wood painting characterized by its use of a gold ground, which enhances the luminosity of the figures. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child at the center, surrounded by five saints, each depicted with distinct attributes that identify them. Saint Jerome is often recognized by his cardinal's attire and the lion, while Saint Bernardino is typically shown with a monogram of Christ. Saint John the Baptist is identifiable by his traditional attire and the lamb, and Saint Anthony of Padua is depicted with the child Jesus. Two angels are positioned above the saints, contributing to the celestial atmosphere of the work. The figures are rendered with a delicate attention to detail, showcasing Sano di Pietro's characteristic use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns in their garments. The overall arrangement creates a harmonious balance, emphasizing the centrality of the Madonna and Child within a sacred context. The painting exemplifies the artist's skill in combining religious iconography with a decorative aesthetic typical of the Sienese school during the Renaissance.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome, Bernardino, John the Baptist, and Anthony of Padua and Two Angels